With the final two Play-In Games scheduled this evening, the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs are a day away from commencing. The following is Hoopinville's review of both Conferences:
Western Conference
1. Phoenix Suns
It is no surprise the most balanced roster in the Western Conference is the #1 seed and team to beat this Playoffs League-wide. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and company come at you from every position on the court with a mix of experience and talent that is unmatched. The question is: can and will Chris Paul get his elusive Chip?
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Like the Suns, the Grizz are an extremely balanced roster. Led by one of the most electrifying young players in the League, PG Ja Morant, Memphis is stacked at each position. C Steven Adams, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., SF Dillon Brooks, SG Desmond Bane and crew team up with Ja to trot out one of the best young teams in the League. It's always a party on Beale Street; will the Grizz leave their opponents singin' the Blues upon that final note of the Season?
3. Golden State Warriors
When you've raised banners and you're led by Stephen Curry you must believe another title is within your grasp. The Dubs have Klay back, Draymond is one of the greatest difference makers to ever lace em' up, Andrew Wiggins is an All-Star, and the combination of young drafted talent with stealth free agency "minimum" signings has catapulted the GSW right back into the Playoff spotlight. Will that shine prove the ultimate Golden? Update: That shine proved the ultimate Golden. The Dubs are 2021-22 NBA Champs!
4. Dallas Mavericks
With arguably the best young player in the West, PG Luka Doncic, the Mavs have given themselves home court advantage out of the gate. A trade deadline move that swapped oft-injured C/PF Kristaps Porzingis for playmaking G Spencer Dinwiddie and sharp-shooting PF Davis Bertans could prove prophetic if Luka is unable to play due to a calf strain incurred the final game of the regular Season. Dinwiddie will have to step-in and the Mavs' other top-shelf role players will have to step-up. Can JKidd lead them as Coach where he last left off as a Mavs' Player in 2011, to a championship?
5. Utah Jazz
Playing in Utah, a beautiful small market, Donovan Mitchell may be the least talked about superstar in the League. Make no mistake about it, Spida is a superstar! When he gets it going, he's like many of the greatest scorers in League History -- there's just nothing you can do to stop him. Tag team that with the most dominant defensive frontcourt presence in the League in Rudy Gobert, and you've got the recipe to contend year-in and year-out. Will this dynamic duo and their Jazz teammates prove to be the most dynamic of them all?
6. Denver Nuggets
If Luka's not the best young player in the West, then the Joker surely is. Nikola Jokic is a Point-Center unlike the League has ever seen. Not unlike Luka, Nikola is surrounded by top-shelf role players while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are on the mend. If these two were healthy this Season, the likelihood is the Nuggets are a top 4 seed heading into the Playoffs. Nonetheless, can Aaron Gordon and Monte Morris give the Joker the support needed to lead these Nuggets to the mountain top (Rocky Mountain Style)?
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Twolves advanced through the Play-In Tournament. A balanced roster has been mentioned with the 1 and 2 seeds, but let's also mention it with the 7 seed here. PG Pat Bev, SG D'lo Russell, SF Ant Edwards, PF Vando, and C KAT, along with stellar subs, the Twolves can beat any team anytime. The leaders of their pack are former #1 and #2 overall draft picks. Will this pedigree soon parade in Minny?
8. Los Angeles Clippers or New Orleans Pelicans
We shall see tonight... Update: It's the Pels! CJ and Larry Nance Jr. proved to add the veteran leadership needed for this young team (without Zion) to make it through the Play-In Tournament and swoop into the 8 seed (as only a Pelican can). What a trade deadline move! Is David Griffin on his way to turning the Pels into a champ like his Cavs before?
Eastern Conference
1. Miami Heat
Rarely would we lead with mention of a coach, but Erik Spoelstra is just that good. Like the Suns in the West, the Heat are the most balanced roster going in the East. PG Kyle Lowry, SG Tyler Herro, SF Jimmy Butler, PF P.J. Tucker and C Bam are simply as good as it gets as a combined unit. Factor in the likes of Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and many other super subs, and the Heat are the team to beat in the East. Will South Beach be home to the final celebration of this Season?
2. Boston Celtics
As dynamic duos go, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are second to none. They have propelled the Celtics to this #2 seed, surprising with how the season started for Coach Ime Udoka in his inaugural campaign at the helm of the legendary franchise. Though, as a pupil of legend Coach Pop, it is not surprising Udoka got the ship righted. A credit to him, along with phenomenal summer acquisitions and free agent signings turned trade deadline moves by Brad Stevens, the C's are making their move to drop yet another banner from their hallowed rafters. Will 2022 be next beside 2008?
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Last Season's NBA Champion led by the most dominant force in the League, Giannis, how can a repeat be unexpected? It's not! You jump center with the Greek Freak, Jrue, and Kris, then you better have the jeweler ready to design another masterpiece for any Bucks roster chasing a championship. Having experienced the glory last Season, do the Bucks defend their throne against all comers or can another team overcome the fear of the deer -- would you bet against Giannis?
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Top to bottom this might be the most talented team in the NBA. Led by Joel Embiid and now partnered with James Harden, the Sixers are poised to bring the hardware back to Philly. It has been a 39 year wait. Can Doc Rivers push the right buttons? Will this be a season remembered for the fallout of Ben Simmons or the orchestration of a champion? A city for doing it, can Daryl Morey ring the bell?
5. Toronto Raptors
The Raps have had to overcome so much to find themselves right back in the hunt. Losing your superstar champions in Kawhi and Kyle, playing a full season away from home due COVID, and hoping your star player in Pascal can rebound from torn labrum surgery, would be extreme challenges to overcome. However, Masai Ujiri proves his scouting and draft genius again and again. Scottie Barnes is a stud, and keep an eye on Dalano and Justin. Fred VanVleet is an All-Star PG, and Gary Trent Jr is the real deal at SG. This team can beat anybody, and The North knows this very well. Will they win a championship once more?
6. Chicago Bulls
Zach Lavine has been surrounded by some of the best in the business in Demar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. A.K. may be the most underrated front office exec. in the League. Chi-Town is legitimately back in championship discussion. The Bulls face injuries to key personnel in Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, but talented young players in Coby and Ayo are making their charge. Will the Bulls go on a championship run?
7. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets advanced through the Play-In Tournament. Is there a saltier starting five than KD, Kyrie, Seth, Ben and L.A. (if all playing)? Sub Claxton, Brown, Drummond, Dragic, Harris, and other Nets for any of those five, and it's hard to argue two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash isn't the most fortunate coach in the League. Would you not consider yourself a most unfortunate opponent if you had to try and stop KD+Kyrie in a Playoff Series? Boston is first up to try just that, can they, can any team?
8. Cleveland Cavaliers or Atlanta Hawks
We shall see tonight... Update: It's the Hawks! Trae Young and the Hawks are the most dangerous 8 seed, potentially, in the history of 8 seeds. Miami better watch out; are the Hawks ready to soar?
-Dusty Mat, 2022
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